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Pearson ‘had no warning’

The Midlands club announced late on Tuesday night that they had disposed of the 51-year-old’s services despite him saving the club from relegation to the Championship.

Leicester cited a “breakdown in relations” between Pearson and the board but, despite being involved in a string of controversial incidents on and off the pitch last season, Pearson had no idea relations had broken down to such an extent.

Midlands reporter Rob Dorsett, who has covered the Pearson-Leicester saga all season, told Sky Sports News HQ on Wednesday morning: “I’ve had a long chat with sources close to Pearson overnight and it appears he was sacked by telephone and had no idea it was coming.

“He was expecting to be taking training when the players return for pre-season next Monday and took full part in the transfer of Shinji Okazaki into the club last Friday.

“We know there have been issues between him and the board over the last year and, in fact, they sacked him in February – the chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha deciding he’d had enough, only for his son and vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha to reinstate him hours later.

“Remember there was the expletive-laden rant at a Leicester fan, the touchline altercation with Crystal Palace’s James McArthur and then the verbal attack on a journalist, calling him an ostrich.

“And it appears the final straw was the situation with Pearson’s son and two other Leicester players in which they were filmed with Thai prostitutes in Thailand, which led to his son being sacked.

“But Pearson didn’t know about “the breakdown of relations” cited in Leicester’s statement last night, and he was quite shocked when the decision was taken.”

Pearson’s assistant Steve Walsh has taken temporary charge of the team and it is understood Leicester will not rush to appoint a full-time successor.

But the decision has been met with a volley of anger and criticism from Leicester supporters across social media.

Dorsett said: “Thai owners have had unanimous support from fans since they bought the club from Milan Mandaric. They’ve been hugely popular and invested a lot in the club.

“But for the first time on social media I’ve seen anger towards the owners. Pearson was popular, having lifted the club to a 14th-place finish, so it appears the decision was taken not for football reasons.

“It’s early days but the decision the club takes now will be crucial going forward. I don’t think the owners know who they want yet so wouldn’t expect a quick appoint.”

Sky Bet make Bolton boss and former City player Neil Lennon their 7/4 favourite to land the role from Sam Allardyce and Esteban Cambiasso.